House PöHö33

Our vision of successful living always leads us to two-sided considerations: to “on the one hand, and on the other” scenarios. For example, we want to feel secure and snug, knowing we can close the door on the world, and at the same time feel liberated. So the question arises of how we can combine and balance both needs.Our vision of successful living always leads us to two-sided considerations: to “on the one hand, and on the other” scenarios. For example, we want to feel secure and snug, knowing we can close the door on the world, and at the same time feel liberated. So the question arises of how we can combine and balance both needs.This begins with the search for a building site that reflects a genius loci allowing for the realisation of many visions. It was found at the summit of Pötzleinsdorf Mountain. You are up above with a view over the city and at the same time nestled into a natural basin. You are living in the metropolis of Vienna, but situated at the city’s perimeter where there is a village atmosphere.The garden is a kind of “secret garden” thanks to the surrounding green belt (splendid isolation) and is only connected to the public sphere by way of an alley. The treetops have an enlarging effect on the space, encompassing the natural surroundings. The property lines are therefore only of relevance up to the height of the Sky-Frame glazed ground floor; above this, you are in an open green space.

This single-family home has three floors. The gently sloping hill-side location on the ridge and the property configuration have allowed for an inset building construction, creating a secluded situation and sense of security. Thanks to the Sky-Frame frameless sliding windows, an unobstructed view over Vienna can be enjoyed from the first and second floor. The interplay between water surfaces and a waterfall is a feature of the ambiance. The interior of the building brings to mind a wellness oasis, with a sauna and indoor pool.

The facade is defined by the dominating element of a robust frame that floats over the terrace like the architrave of a Greek temple. This beam serves as the leitmotif while transforming the accessible area into an imaginary room. The counterpart to this is a reference to the atrium: the facade is set back on the ground floor and suggests a courtyard situated adjacent to the pool. The motif of the atrium, the antique style of a windowless villa, has been realised by means of the modernistic design of a fully-glazed and seemingly windowless structure.

The membrane of the suspended frame is featured in the view of the facade, where the terrace is bordered at its corners with perforated steel plates.